Misshapen-like kinase 1 (MINK1) (MINK1)

Misshapen-like kinase 1 (MINK1), also known as MAP4K6, is a serine/threonine kinase belonging to the Germinal Center Kinase (GCK) family, a subfamily of the Ste20-like kinases (UniProt: Q8N123). It acts as a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinase (MAP4K) that primarily activates the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway in response to environmental stress and cytokines (NCBI Gene: 50488). MINK1 plays a crucial role in regulating the actin cytoskeleton, cell adhesion, and directed cell motility, which are essential for processes like embryonic development and wound healing (PMID: 11102444). In human pathology, MINK1 is frequently overexpressed in various cancers, where it promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), tumor cell invasion, and metastasis (PMID: 24554718). It is also involved in the regulation of synaptic plasticity and dendritic spine morphogenesis in the brain, suggesting potential roles in neurological disorders. Due to its involvement in oncogenic and inflammatory pathways, MINK1 is an emerging therapeutic target, with small-molecule inhibitors being developed to disrupt its kinase activity and inhibit metastatic progression.

Other names

MAP4K6Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinase 6YSK2MINKSapk/Erk kinase-proline-rich kinase

ATP-competitive inhibition of the kinase domain, preventing phosphorylation of downstream MAP2K substrates and subsequent JNK pathway activation.